Nikita Hair To Open First Franchise Location in South Carolina

It may seem like a stretch to go from owning gas station and convenience store franchises to owning and operating a Scandinavian hair salon franchise, but for South Carolina-based Sagar Chauhan and his wife Stuti, who are set to open the first of four Nikita Hair salons in Charleston later this year, it’s more like a dream come true. 

“We had been targeting the hair industry for a while,” said Chauhan.”It’s an Amazon-proof business, and we love the creative side of it. When we discovered Nikita Hair, it all fell into place. We knew this was the special franchise we had been looking for.”

The beauty brand, which is Europe’s leading hair salon and an award-winning franchise with 150 locations and more than 1,000 employees spanning the globe, recently moved into the American market, and Chauhan saw an opportunity. 

One trip to Nikita’s Boca Raton salon was all it took to convince him. “You get a feel for the quality the minute you walk in, which is something I’ve always wanted in a business,” Chauhan said. “It’s an upscale, full-service salon. They even offer head and scalp massages.”

Nikita Hair enjoys a dedicated following in Europe, where clients appreciate the salon’s legendary personal service, results-driven products inspired by Scandinavia’s natural beauty and a full menu of services, including styling, coloring, Keratin treatments, extensions, waxing and brow sculpting.

Besides the spa-like atmosphere and offerings, Chauhan noticed that Christinah Nicolaisen, CEO and daughter of the brand’s founder Inger Ellen Nicolaisen, often makes the rounds through the salons, talking to everyone who works there. “It made me realize they’re doing business the way I want to do business,” Chauhan said. “They’re professional, but they have a personal touch.”

Chauhan also appreciates the training and support Nikita Hair offers. “The training isn’t just for stylists, but also for owners,” he said. “I knew I couldn’t get that somewhere else.”

Offering what Chauhan calls an online university for beauty professionals — “anything you can think of, they pretty much have it in their manual,” he said — Nikita Hair also hosts hair competitions, drawing stylists from other salons as well. “It’s a great marketing tool, but also a great way for stylists, colorists and beauty artists to stay on top of trends,” he added.

A workplace favorite within the beauty industry, Nikita’s positive, empowering culture is one reason why the brand continues to draw top talent — which keeps customers coming back.

“Our skilled stylists and technicians focus on helping clients find a style that is uniquely their own and one that they are proud of,” said Nicolaisen. “We want our clients to look and feel great when they walk out of the door of all of our salons, including our new salon in Charleston. We’re thrilled to partner with Sagar and Stuti in this charming and growing city.”

Chauhan is betting Nikita’s high level of customer service and beauty expertise will speak to the women of Charleston. “We know this is a demographic that takes care of themselves and strives to look their very best, and we’re excited to introduce them to what Nikita has to offer,” he said, noting he already has two very enthusiastic fans in his two young daughters.

He added, “We’re hoping to pass this down to them one day. We’re definitely in this for the long haul, and I know Nikita Hair is too. We have a lot of confidence in the brand.”

The estimated initial investment to purchase a Nikita Hair franchise ranges from $220,500 - $334,300 including a $43,500 franchise fee. Single-and multi-unit opportunities are available. For more information, visit https://nikitahair.com/nikita-hair-franchise/.